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After-school programs to offer dinner instead of snack

Published: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 11:21 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 11:21 p.m.

SARASOTA - Instead of a light after-school snack, some Sarasota County elementary students will get full meals as part of a new pilot program starting next month.The federally funded program begins May 1 at Alta Vista, Gocio and Emma E. Booker elementary schools, which are three schools with a high number of children who receive free and reduced lunches.

Officials say they hope it's a way to reach students from low-income homes who don't eat balanced meals daily.

School principals and officials are excited about the beefed-up food program, which will run every day until the end of the school year, said Beverly Girard, the district's food and nutrition services director.

Sarasota is among only four districts in the state to start such a program, she said.

“We're it,” Girard said Wednesday.

Manatee County is planning a similar program in the fall, district officials said.

In Sarasota County, the program will be free for the 545 children who are currently enrolled in the after-school program at the three elementary schools.

Normally, those children receive snacks such as fruit and milk.

With the test pilot, they will eat meals such as chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and a roll — “something you might see at home,” Girard said.

Girard declined to give an estimated cost for the test program, which will be paid for by the federal Child Care Food Program.

“We haven't even served one meal yet,” she said, adding the program could expand to other sites next school year. “This is the reason for a pilot. We don't know what some of the challenges are we will face.”

If parents have questions, they may contact the school district at (941) 927-4009.

<p><em>SARASOTA</em> - Instead of a light after-school snack, some Sarasota County elementary students will get full meals as part of a new pilot program starting next month.The federally funded program begins May 1 at Alta Vista, Gocio and Emma E. Booker elementary schools, which are three schools with a high number of children who receive free and reduced lunches.</p><p>Officials say they hope it's a way to reach students from low-income homes who don't eat balanced meals daily.</p><p>School principals and officials are excited about the beefed-up food program, which will run every day until the end of the school year, said Beverly Girard, the district's food and nutrition services director.</p><p>Sarasota is among only four districts in the state to start such a program, she said.</p><p>“We're it,” Girard said Wednesday.</p><p>Manatee County is planning a similar program in the fall, district officials said.</p><p>In Sarasota County, the program will be free for the 545 children who are currently enrolled in the after-school program at the three elementary schools.</p><p>Normally, those children receive snacks such as fruit and milk. </p><p>With the test pilot, they will eat meals such as chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and a roll — “something you might see at home,” Girard said.</p><p>Girard declined to give an estimated cost for the test program, which will be paid for by the federal Child Care Food Program.</p><p>“We haven't even served one meal yet,” she said, adding the program could expand to other sites next school year. “This is the reason for a pilot. We don't know what some of the challenges are we will face.”</p><p>If parents have questions, they may contact the school district at (941) 927-4009.</p>